About Us

Our Story

  • 1995: Concerned by the lack of access to services in English for local families in need, community members work with the CLSC and open Munchkin Mansion Playschool.
  • 1996: Family Ties becomes a legally corporate non-profit organization
  • 1998: Family Ties purchases the building. Youth programs begin.
  • 2007: The building’s interior is renovated to meet the community’s needs, with the addition of a collective kitchen and library.
  • 2012-2013: Members help to remodel Munchkin Mansion playground and the community garden is created to improve food security
  • 2012-2015: The CISSS de la Gaspésie requests to work in partnership with Family Ties through programs such as Destination Family (2012) and PACE (2015).
  • 2017: Family Ties celebrates its 20th anniversary with a special AGM to honour its members and volunteers.
  • 2018: A strategic planning day is held and members request improved access to the building, including the moving of programs and services to the main floor.
  • Family Ties adapts its services to meet the needs of the community due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • 2022-2023: Following successful applications for financial support as well as fundraising, the Family Ties building undergoes major renovations in order to improve access for community members. Despite being housed in various locations around New Carlisle, programs and services continue.

Canadian Heritage projects (ccaf)

Through the Canadian Heritage Community Cultural Action Fund, Family Ties is able to offer cultural activities and workshops in English which deepen the sense of belonging to a vibrant and engaged official language minority community.

Prenatal Sessions

In partnership with the CISSS, the prenatal program offers support to English-speaking women preparing to give birth through the sharing of information and creating links with others. Partners are also welcome.

Baby & Me

(0-12 months + expecting families)

This program invites parents and their babies 0-12 months to come together for mutual support, sharing of information, professional workshops and socializing.

Culture Club

A weekly program for girls and boys aged 5-8 focusing on play, social interaction, learning and experiencing new things. Activities include outdoor play, obstacle courses, science experiments, crafts, cooking and sports. In addition to the many activities Culture Club hosts a monthly family night, bringing siblings and parents for fun events and shared meals.

A program offered twice per year for boys aged 13-17 who graduated from the BUDS program, with a focus on outdoor activities, adventure and physical activity.

Circle of Security is an international program which helps caregivers connect with the children in their lives and is delivered by a qualified facilitator. Through focused discussions, parents reflect upon children’s attachment needs in different situations in order to promote a secure attachment with their own child.

Destination Family

The Destination family program offers support to parents with children aged 0-12 years through individual, family and group interventions and is delivered in partnership with health and social service professionals.

Community Garden

The community garden gives individuals and families access to an expert gardener & garden assistant and an established garden space with the necessary tools to plant, grow and harvest fresh produce, herbs and flowers.

Family Events

Family Ties organizes family events throughout the year which includes activities and healthy food.


· Family Literacy Day
· Family Day at the Chalet
· Teddy Bear Picnic on Canada Day

       

March Break Activities

Family Ties organized a wide range of activities a range of activities for children and their families over March break in partnership with the Municipality of New Carlisle, New Carlisle High School, CLC New Carlisle and Bright Beginnings.

Library & Access Centre

The Library & Access Centre is open to members who are able to borrow English books. magazines, DVDS and board games free of charge. They also have access to computers, a printer and Wi-Fi.

Born to Read

In Phase 1 of Born to Read infants receive a bag full of books at the time of their first immunization at the CLSC. In Phase 2 four year olds receive a bag of books along with crayons, glue, scissors, pencil, and activity or colouring book at the time of their immunization just before entering school. Family Ties assembles the bags with age appropriate books weaving literacy into the home. New parents also receive a board book entitled “Welcome Baby” by Barbara Reid from the 0-5 nurse at their 24 hour post hospital visit. Additionally, parents have access to a wide variety of resources in the Family Ties library.

Canada Summer jObs

This program provides funding to subsidize wages for people aged 15 and 30, allowing Family Ties to create quality summer work experiences.

New Horizons for Seniors: Growing Wise Together

This program aims to empower seniors while encouraging them to share their knowledge, skills and experience with others in the community.

Dads' Dinners

Dads’ Dinners offers fathers the opportunity to get together in an informal environment to learn cooking skills, which they used to prepare food for their families, and chat about their reality as men and fathers

Munchkin Mansion Playschool

Munchkin Mansion Playschool is a program for children ages 1-5 and their caregivers. Families gather for fun and learning through free play, story time, arts and crafts, singing, healthy snacks and outdoor play. Outings happen on a regular basis to the swimming pool, skating rink, Bioparc and other family-friendly locations.  Parents/caregivers share information and knowledge and learn from early childhood professionals.